If the rumors are true, Apple is getting ready to reveal a new Apple TV 4K, and it’s long overdue. The last generation model was released in 2022, so there’s been a longer wait than usual. However, that’s not entirely bad, as there’s nothing wrong with the third-gen device, or even the first, for that matter.

I’m one of the holdouts sticking with a first-gen model, and while it’s still kicking, it’s missing its fair share of updates. None of the new aspect ratios are available, and it’s even missing out on the Snoopy backgrounds. I know the time is nearing for an upgrade, and all signs are pointing toward this being a big one. The only problem is that I’m not all that excited about what I’m hearing.

I don’t know about you, but the main reason I have an Apple TV 4K is for watching movies and TV shows. All the other things it can do are just bonuses. Sure, it’s fun playing games on my Apple TV from time to time, but the vast majority of my time is spent watching things. My main fear is that adding extra features won’t change my experience in a meaningful way, and it’d raise the price of a new box. That’s why these latest gaming rumors from Apple have me scratching my head.

Brand

Apple

Bluetooth codecs

5.0

Wi-Fi

6

Ethernet

Gigabit (128GB model only)

Storage and RAM

64GB, 128GB

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I’m not excited about these rumors

The Apple TV 4K might be losing its way

Apple / Pocket-lint

The rumor mill always churns when a new product is on the horizon, and that’s especially the case when there’s a long wait, like what we’ve seen with the Apple TV 4K between generations. Recent rumors suggest a major push into gaming is coming from Apple, and I’m not sold. It seems like a lot of non-traditional gaming companies are looking to get a slice of the pie, but there haven’t been many success stories. Netflix has failed to launch a game, Google has already closed up shop with Stadia, and Amazon has been shaky with its output. I don’t see how Apple can find success either, and I hope this push doesn’t come at the expense of what makes the Apple TV 4K great.

A new Apple TV 4K is likely going to be using a new chip to power the device, but what chip Apple picks is still up for debate. Using an M4 or even an M2 chip would make the Apple TV capable of running demanding titles, and it could help push the Apple TV 4K as a gaming console as well as a streaming device. Unfortunately, I already have an Xbox Series X and a PS5, so I don’t have much interest in grabbing an Apple TV 4K that can do the same. An A17 Pro chip would be a compromise that might not drive the already-pricey box up even higher. It might also be enough to get Apple Intelligence on the new model, something I’m excited about.

A better wireless chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is also something that makes a lot of sense, and it’s something that’s rumored to arrive in the hardware refresh. These are the types of things Apple should be focusing on, and that’s why it’s annoying to see this reported shift toward gaming when many other companies look like they’re backing out of it.

The third-gen Apple TV 4K costs $150 for its most expensive model, and that’s already teetering on the cusp of what I’m willing to pay. A compatible streaming box like the Roku Ultra only costs $100, so I’d like to see that gap get closer instead of wider. I’m afraid the push for Apple to start doing more with its devices could lead to a price hike that nobody wants to see.

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The price can’t keep going up

I’m keeping my fingers crossed

Apple / Pocket-lint

The Apple TV 4K is my favorite streaming device, but I don’t think it’ll stay that way if the price stays as high as it is with the next generation. I don’t need any fancy bells and whistles with my device — I just want something that lets me download streaming apps and watch things on them. The expansion into gaming isn’t necessary, and if that’s real, I imagine a price increase isn’t too far behind. The Apple TV 4K is already the most expensive streaming device by a good margin, and adding beefed-up hardware wouldn’t help buck that trend.

Apple has already struggled to carve out a prominent marketshare against competition from Roku and Amazon, and the price has a lot to do with it. You can grab streaming sticks from both companies for a fraction of the price of an Apple TV 4K. I have sticks from both Amazon and Roku that work very well. They aren’t as good as my Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra, but they do their expected jobs well.

By focusing more on demanding tasks like gaming, it means the chances of a streaming stick that plugs into the HDMI slot on my TV dwindle. Apple has already been very hesitant about introducing value-centric products into its lineup, as evidenced by how long it took for an affordable iPhone to arrive. The chances of an Apple streaming stick are already slim, and if these gaming rumors end up being true, it pretty much shuts the door on them.

To be fair, there might be a market for an Apple TV 4K to have some gaming capabilities. When you look at Microsoft raising the price on their Xbox consoles and a Switch 2 costing $500, getting something a bit more affordable is nice. The current Apple TV 4K models can do some light gaming, and while it’s not the best way to experience it, Balatro is available. If this does end up being a reality, I hope it comes with freedom of choice for the buyer. Similar to how there’s a $130 and $150 Apple TV 4K, I hope one that has gaming capabilities is priced differently than one that’s simply for streaming shows. The chances of that happening don’t seem great, but I don’t get why Apple has two models of the third-gen Apple TV 4K in the first place, so maybe there’s a shot.

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